Silky and versatile

While this isn't going to be the cat's pajamas for moderate to experienced users, this is an inexpensive and versatile set of sashes for people who are looking to add just a little bit of BDSM to their lives. They're well made and don't slip, though it does take a while to tie them initially.

Published:
October 7, 2012

Pros:

Easy to use, versatile, super soft, can be tied together, can be used as a fashion accessory.

Cons:

May not be 'enough' for hardcore BDSM-ers, takes a while to tie on well.

This product is sold as a silk band to be used for restraining a submissive partner. It is listed as a 'restraint,' but really what you get are two long sashes. Because they have no real defining features, they can be used in many different ways, some not even for sex.

The main use for this is to tie limbs either to each other or a stationary object. When tying wrists together, there is certainly enough room for a bed post, but with ankles it is a bit harder. If you're trying to do a complex hog-tie and bind both ankles and wrists together, you're probably going to have to tie the two included sashes together or find another product.

You also can use these sashes as a blindfold. You can fold them in half to place a thin strip over the eyes, or you can use them unfolded to cover most of the face. While it's not as constricting as a blindfold and doesn't block out light as effectively, it is more comfortable and may be more beginner friendly.

Though it's not the best use, you also can use this as a make-shift collar and leash. If you want a longer leash, you can tie the two sashes together. As always, have a safe word and communicate well when exploring BDSM with a partner.

As far as unconventional uses, you can use this to accessorize by tying it to your neck as a scarf, using it as a headband, or using it as a sash for around your waist. While it's not the most fashionable accessory, it's still a fun way to carry it with you until you get to use it with your partner.

This product is very easy to take with you, either by wearing it or tucking it into a bag. It's small enough that you can keep it in your purse, and it's not going to get you in trouble with the TSA if you travel with it.

Though it's hard to make a set of silk sashes badly, these are made very well. They are made of fairly thick silk, and there is no sign of any tearing, running, or fraying. They are hemmed well on the ends, and there are no loose threads or anything. The finished edges are a bit stiffer than the rest of the sash, but are still soft.

The hem:

This product is 4 feet long and 4 inches thick. This means that you also can tie them together to make a longer sash that's about 7.5 feet long. Even if you tie the two together, there isn't enough length to use them to hog-tie someone or do more complicated rope maneuvers. If you have very thick ankles it may be hard to tie them to a thick bedpost with this, but I think that if you have a thin bedpost it will be fine for anyone.

The length:

This product is made of silk, which is very delicate. Because silk is a porous material and is a fabric, if you get blood or bodily fluids on these, you probably will have to buy some new ones. You also should avoid getting lube on these sashes.

Silk is made from the cocoons of silk worms and is not vegan. While the silk can be harvested without harming the silk worms, the silk is more valuable if it comes from a cocoon that has not been chewed through, so there are usually casualties in the process. If you're avoiding animal byproducts, silk is not for you.

In total, this product is a great design. It is long enough for beginners to play around with tying their partner to different things, and it's short enough that it's not going to get tangled or become cumbersome. While more advanced users may find it a bit too soft and unprofessional, it's great for a first foray into BDSM.

While this product is fairly versatile, the main use is to tie your or your partner's limbs to each other or another object. You can tie the sashes either loosely or tightly, and it feels like the silk will tear before it slips out of a well made knot.

You also can use this product as a blindfold. You either can fold it in half for a thinner blindfold, or keep it at the thicker width to cover most of the face. Beginners will probably prefer the sexier, more comfortable feel of the thinner width, but the thicker width does block out more light. It is a bit hard to tie it in a way that will stay on with a lot of moving, so you'll probably want to tie your partner to a stationary object if you go this route.

The third use I found for this product was to use it as a makeshift collar and leash. This is a bit hard to get right, but works of you tie the two sashes together. Unless you're very experienced, you should use a stationary knot and not a 'slip knot' when you make the collar portion to prevent unwanted chocking.

While you COULD use this as a gag, it's both ineffective and bad for the material. Saliva will stain it if you don't clean it right or quickly enough, it really dries out your partner's mouth, and it is too thin to block out much noise at all.

You also can use this to accessorize an outfit, maybe as part of public foreplay (wearing your restraints around others) or because you need a sash for a dress. While it's not the best use, it's still worth mentioning.

In all, these ties don't slip out of knots, and are very easy and comfortable to use. They have quite a few possible uses and would be great for people looking for a softer, more introductory bondage tool.

Silk is one of the most delicate materials out there. You should never soak, boil, or bleach these sashes. Silk may be hand-washed in fairly cool water with a very gentle soap, but it can not be washed in warm or hot water. You can dry it by hanging or lying it flat, but no putting silk into the dryer. You also should not dry it in the sun. You can very lightly iron out the wrinkles, but be careful.

These sashes do wrinkle easily, but if you're just going to tie someone up anyways it's not a huge inconvenience. You can store these with the rest of your toys or in with your lingerie in a drawer. They can be stored in contact with other materials and such, so they're easy to keep just about anywhere.

This product comes in very minimal packaging, and is basically a non-resealable, cardboard envelope. On the front is a black and white photo of a girl who is tied up. It isn't exactly discreet, but it's not tacky. It would not be a huge deterrent to wrapping this up and giving it as a gift.

The back of the packaging has a blurb about the product, some basic information about the material, different bar codes for the different colors, and a window where you can see the color of the sashes inside. While this implies that there are many colors available, Eden only currently has grey.

Because you cannot reseal the package without tape or glue, the way it came is not the best way to store it. The small envelope also adds to the wrinkling problem, because it forces them into a flat, creased shape. It did not come with any additional instructions, but none are needed.

While this product seemed pretty boring when I got assigned it, it is actually really useful and fun to play around with. While a blindfold and cuffs are still preferred, even for this fairly 'vanilla' couple, this is a solid product for people who may be scared of more 'official' BDSM products.

These are super soft against my skin, so much that they're more comfortable than any cuffs I have. They also are a bit harder to put on than cuffs, which tend to just be 'grab and clasp.' With this you are going to get to practice those knots you learned in Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts/Sewing club. If you never learned any good knots as a kid, there are many instructional videos, sites, and books on the topic.

While these didn't thrill me, and certainly aren't going to beat out our usual cuffs, they would be AWESOME for a couple who isn't ready to dive into a commitment. They're soft enough to whip out during sex as a surprise, and cheap enough that you didn't waste a lot of money if your partner freaks and sends them down the paper shredder. Remember, even if you're not getting into anything too serious, ALWAYS communicate openly with your partner.

This product was provided free of charge to the reviewer. This review is in compliance with the
FTC guidelines.

About author

Reviewed by
Ryuson(Eden Writer)Back on my feet and trying to get back into Eden